Mentions: thechampagnechic

I just got back from my bff’s glorious Minneapolis wedding, and it reminded how stressful it can be to find the right rehearsal dinner dress! For me, it was almost harder than the wedding dress. You have to pick something that makes you feel like yourself, so you can focus on your fiancé and your guests, but also you want to look fabulous for the insta. (Speaking of, I have one: @thechampagnechic, find me!) So, this is my annual wedding cheat sheet on for all you ladies out there. BONUS, if you are not getting married, these are all great options for being a guest too (except the white one, don’t be that girl). Enjoy!ASTR The Label: So pretty, so pretty, so pretty. Might be best for those with a small to medium chest, but the lace and the color make me swoon. Continue reading “11 Rehearsal Dinner Dresses That Aren’t White (+Wedding Guest Options)”→

First piece of news: My insta has even more style, beauty, general antics, and pictures of my pomeranian. What’s not to love?! ❤️ If you’re in the neighborhood, check me out @thechampagnechic

If you’re in the Northeast U.S. right now you are probably getting buried under inches of snow. Stay safe and warm out there! I took the redeye to Chicago last night and it’s freezing here so I feel your pain (but no snow yet, whew). This cold weather inspired me to post about the pure joy that is finding a really warm, but also chic, coat. Like this patterned knit from H&M. And it’s on sale right now for only $50! Continue reading “Stay Warm In A Bold Knit Coat”→

You guys, I’m baaaaackkkkkk… I disappeared over the holidays because I was shopping for presents and drinking punch and throwing my 10th annual holiday party, and well, time got away from me. Plus it’s not a good idea to drink and blog, things get weird. I am so sorry friends! I still love you. But in the last few weeks, I’ve changed, and I have to tell you now, I’ve fallen in love with someone else… Madewell jeans.

I already had two pairs, but over the holidays I ended up in Madewell like three times (why three times? who knows?) and just LOVED every pair I tried on, so I did a full investigation, and it turns out their jeans are BOMB. Their sizes also run slightly big (I sized down size on most pairs), which makes me feel amazing about eating friend chicken for dinner last night… I mean, kale, I had only kale for dinner.

To sweeten the denim deal, they have this program for recycling your old denim into a $20 discount for you: You bring in your old jeans to any Madewell store. Madewell gives you $20 off a new pair FOR EACH PAIR YOU BRING IN. You read that right, you bring in four pairs, you get a four IOUs for $20 off of each pair of jeans. And since it’s a little coupon card, you don’t have to use it right away. Pop in your wallet until you are ready to replace and old pair. Madewell then ships your old jeans off to Blue Jeans Go Green™ to recycle into housing insulation. Everybody wins! You can read more about the program here: Madewell Do Well. (Let’s all just admit we have a couple pairs in the back of the closet that we’re holding on to, “just in cases”.)

I couldn’t share my Chicago trip with you and not mention all the best beauty spots! Have you met me? Even if you’re just in town for the weekend, I recommend you find an hour and check out one of the below places. Basically I’ve made you my ride or die beauty checklist in Chicago. The Flywheel class is the best solution to the food from this post. Ps my Insta is live! Check out @thechampagnechic, and tell me what you think!

Arch Apothecary: Consider this place your own personal glam squad. They do makeup application, blowouts, eyebrows, waxing, updos (if you’re feeling fancy)… you name it. I’ve been here dozens of times since it was steps from my old apartment and the entire staff is super nice and just as important, excellent at what they do. Head in with your bff before a night out or for just a little pick-me-up mid-week.

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I'm Alaina. Just another girl who loves wearing red lipstick and eating nachos. (Seriously, come over, you have to try my nachos). I live in San Francisco with my husband Tim, and my dog Roxie. All I want is for us to live our most glamorous lives by nailing the every day basics, like a solid wardrobe, great skin, and a stellar career. Would love to hear any feedback or answer any questions you have about me or anything you'd like to see on the site. xo